Stephen Amell voices his displeasure at the current SAG-AFTRA strikes, referring to it as “myopic”

Though it would seem that all of Hollywood are in support of the ongoing Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes, there are still a few actors out there who think that the process while supporting the union itself, think the strikes are counterproductive. Who thinks like that, you may ask? Well, at a convention appearance, Stephen Amell made his thoughts clear on the industrial action.

During an appearance at Galaxycon in Raleigh, NC, the “Arrow” star stated his views, making him one of the most high-profile actors to speak out against the Fran Drescher-led SAG-AFTRA strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

“I support my union, I do. And I stand with them. I do not support striking. I don’t. I think that it is a reductive negotiating tactic,” he informed those in attendance. “I find the entire thing incredibly frustrating. I think the thinking as it pertains to shows – like the show that I’m on that premiered last night – I think it’s myopic.”

Amell’s stance reflects a difference of opinion within the industry, with some actors supporting the strike as a necessary step to achieve better terms for the union, while others, like Amell, see it as an approach that may not yield the desired outcomes and could hinder the progress of certain projects, including shows like "Heels," which he stars in.

That of course has led to a backlash against Amell, with some taking to social media to vent their frustration; Matt Letscher, who has shared screen time with Amell in the DC series “Legends of Tomorrow” wrote on Twitter: “Still waiting on that comprehensive list of totally non-reductive negotiating tactics we get to employ now. Thank god for superheroes. Any second now…” 

In June, the strike was authorized after nearly 98% of SAG-AFTRA members voted in favour of it. The strike officially began on July 13. Despite the overwhelming support from many actors, including A-list stars like George Clooney, Matt Damon, and Jessica Chastain, Stephen Amell remains among those who do not support the strike - but the most vocal so far.

What do SAG-AFTRA want from their strike action?

SAG-AFTRA's strike is aimed at achieving a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) that addresses the changing landscape of the entertainment industry, particularly the impact of the streaming revolution and emerging digital technologies.

One of the primary goals of the strike is to secure increased performer base compensation. SAG-AFTRA members believe that their earnings have significantly declined, especially with the shift away from traditional residuals, which used to be common when shows were sold into syndication. With the rise of streaming services, residuals have become less prevalent, affecting actors' incomes.

Another major concern for SAG-AFTRA is the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry. The guild is worried about tools that could create digital composites of popular stars, potentially replacing real actors with AI-generated representations. SAG-AFTRA seeks tighter regulations and safeguards to protect actors from unauthorized use of their voices, likenesses, and performances.